10 January 2025 - Posted by Monsour Law Firm
Compensation awards in Texas 18-wheeler accidents can vary greatly depending on the specific facts of each case. Understanding the complexity of 18-wheeler accident settlements in Texas can help victims when they doubt what the average settlement for a 18-wheeler accident is., enables victims to remain doubtful or confused. Knowing the key mindsets at play can help one feel more in command and less terrified in what is often a challenging time. At Monsour Law Firm we have helped many clients pursue the justice and compensation they are due.
Texas often ranks highest in the number of truck crashes. A recent logjam on Interstate 20 near Tyler, for instance, showed how heavy loads and fatigued truckers caused deadly accidents. The group, which used data from the National Safety Council, said 10 percent of deadly crashes in the U.S. involve heavy trucks, a category that can include passenger trucks, but Texas remains a major contributor to that percentage. These figures highlight the need for awareness and action. In addition to that, they often occur in rural areas, where the speed limit is higher, or urbanized fields, where the traffic is heavier, both aiding in the prevalence of these events. Truckers often face complicated visibility and tighter maneuvering spaces in these environments. For people living in Tyler, the combination of busy highways and neighborhood traffic means staying watchful is important.
The most common causes for an 18-wheeler accident include:
Fatigue from long hours on the road: Federal regulations place limits on how long truckers can spend behind the wheel without rest, but violations are not unheard of, leading to slowed reactions times and crash.
Distracted driving: Mobile phones and onboard communication systems, as well as eating while driving, can all capture attention.
Neglected maintenance: Brakes, tires or other key systems that have been run through their lifespan will give out – especially when they are under the stress of hauling heavy loads.
Pressure to Deliver: Pressure to meet short delivery timelines can also result in overspeeding and loss of control
Adverse Weather – Rain, fog or ice make it more difficult for large trucks to stop or control – especially in crowded roadways.
The extent of the injury suffered is the most important factor when considering a reasonable settlement amount. Victims who are permanently injured or disabled generally get more as compensation for continuing medical treatment and lost earning potential. For example, if someone suffers from a spinal cord injury that leads to lifelong costs, those might range from home renovations to constant in-home assistance.
In the event of a motor vehicle accident, more than 50% of a victim’s negligence excludes them from receiving any damages under the modified comparative fault system in Texas. Determining liability, on the other hand, is not easy, as it often involves a lot of investigations and expert input. This might include analyzing black box data from the truck, reviewing surveillance footage or interviewing witnesses to piece together what led up to the crash.
The insurance policies of big trucking companies tend to be quite massive, and even though this allows for a greater settlement possibility, insurers will still attempt to dispute the claim as vigorously as possible in order to minimize their payout, which is why one should always engage a lawyer. Other policies, specifically, have exemptions and clauses that insurers are likely to come up with in order to avoid payment or to limit the amount they would have to pay.
Compensation covers economic damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and rehabilitation costs, but also non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress, all of which are included in the settlement calculation. Both of these terms have an influence on the calculation process of the final settlement. Non-economic damages, for many of the victims, would be hard to put a figure to, yet they hold the same importance in offsetting the true effect brought about by the accident on the person affected.
Settlements for minor injuries often range from $10,000 to $50,000. These cases mostly involve simple medical procedures requiring one to two treatments and only a short absence from work, such as whiplash or minor fractures, where full recovery occurs within a few weeks.
Moderate injury victims may settle for an amount in the range of $50,000 and $200,000. This type of claim is usually accompanied by an extensive recovery period and high medical treatment. For instance, multiple fractures, surgical procedures, and intensive physiotherapy programs are some of the examples that fall under this category.
The large bulk of cases that fall in the category of severe injury and trauma lawsuits settle or are awarded over $1 million. Most often it will be the case of traumatic brain injuries or an amputation where a functional disability would class this under a higher payout. These settlements are also likely to be relatively high owing to the fact that the lawsuit would involve medical bills, an affordable income and general loss to quality of life.
One of our accomplished cases came as a $700,000 compensation win that was awarded to our client who was a casualty in an 18-wheeler accident as the case was put forward towards whiplash settlement. This accomplishment demonstrates our endeavors to pursue equity and upholding justice on behalf of those we represent. More of our case results can be drawn from here.
Visiting the doctor sooner rather than later is necessary not just to improve your health; it will also aid in strengthening your case. When one gets delayed, it can be damaging as it leaves doubt regarding the altercation.
Nursing homes stuffing bills, medicare waiting periods, police reports, and evidence such as pictures have to be retained without a doubt. Supporting documentation must be satisfactory so that your losses are compensated fully.
Indeed, it is beneficial to have an experienced attorney who will protect your rights and engage in negotiations with insurance firms in order to achieve the best results in your legal dispute.
If you (or someone you know) have experienced injuries as a result of an 18-wheeler accident, Monsour Law Firm stands prepared to assist. Contact us today at (903) 777-7777; we offer a free consultation.
Douglas C. Monsour, or Doug Monsour, is a trial lawyer who handles important and significant injury cases in Texas and across the nation. He is one of a handful of trial lawyers who have successfully tried multiple pharmaceutical, medical device, and mass tort product liability cases as the lead lawyer. He also vigorously represents injured oil field workers, victims of 18-wheeler wrecks, industrial accident victims, and those that have been severely burned.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Monsour who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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